Undertow

Undertow

the bell sounded releasing the doors
and we spill into the hallways
boyfriend chatter, metal door clatter
thread the needle to room 206
couples gaze about nervously
teachers are like shepherds
tending and herding the unruly flock

the seating chart was a quilt
of friendship patterns
neatly arranged for simplicity
chaos remained for a few moments
as evening plans were confirmed
she kicked the wastebasket in anger

assignment due spread across the room
some copied frantically
others moaned in despair
lost between the library
and several empty aluminum cans

focus shifted to front center
information flood gates opened
a low murmur from the back row
tightly folded messages tossed
snickers, giggles, wise cracks
he tied my hair to the water faucet
random synchronized annoyances
sunshine triggers thoughts
of late afternoon freedom and frolic

flood gates forced to close
I wander through the debris
football on a cool evening
exploring abandoned buildings
a cabin deep in the woods
bright lights and mysterious music

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